US20020148612A1 - Isolation of subterranean zones - Google Patents

Abstract

One or more subterranean zones are isolated from one or more other subterranean zones using a combination of solid tubulars and perforated tubulars.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, attorney docket number 25791.9.02, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/108,558, attorney docket number 25791.9, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.[0001]
• The present application is related to the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, attorney docket no. 25791.7.02, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, attorney docket no. 25791.8.02, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, attorney docket no. 25791.9.02, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,460, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (7) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/511,941, attorney docket no. 25791.16.02, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (8) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, (9) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/559,122, attorney docket no. 25791.23.02, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, (10) PCT patent application serial No. PCT/US00/18635, attorney docket no. 25791.25.02, filed on Jul. 9, 2000, (11) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/162,671, attorney docket no. 25791.27, filed on Nov. 1, 1999, (12) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/154,047, attorney docket no. 25791.29, filed on Sep. 16, 1999, (13) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/159,082, attorney docket no. 25791.34, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (14) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/159,039, attorney docket no. 25791.36, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/159,033, attorney docket no. 25791.37, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (16) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/212,359, attorney docket no. 25791.38, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, (17) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/165,228, attorney docket no. 25791.39, filed on Nov. 12, 1999, (18) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/221,443, attorney docket no. 25791.45, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (19) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/221,645, attorney docket no. 25791.46, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (20) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/233,638, attorney docket no. 25791.47, filed on Sep. 18, 2000, (21) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/237,334, attorney docket no. 25791.48, filed on Oct. 2, 2000, (22) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/270,007, attorney docket no. 25791.50, filed on Feb. 20, 2001; (23) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/262,434, attorney docket no. 25791.51, filed on Jan. 17, 2001; (24) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/259,486, attorney docket no. 25791.52, filed on Jan. 3, 2001; (25) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. ______, attorney docket no. 25791.61, filed on Jul. 6, 2001; (26) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. ______, attorney docket no. 25791.59, filed on Aug. 20, 2001; (27) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. ______, attorney docket no. 25791.67, filed on Sep. 6, 2001; and (28) U.S. provisional patent application serial No. ______, attorney docket no. 25791.67.02, filed on Sep. 10, 2001, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates generally to oil and gas exploration, and in particular to isolating certain subterranean zones to facilitate oil and gas exploration.[0003]
• During oil exploration, a wellbore typically traverses a number of zones within a subterranean formation. Some of these subterranean zones will produce oil and gas, while others will not. Further, it is often necessary to isolate subterranean zones from one another in order to facilitate the exploration for and production of oil and gas. Existing methods for isolating subterranean production zones in order to facilitate the exploration for and production of oil and gas are complex and expensive.[0004]
• The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the limitations of the existing processes for isolating subterranean zones during oil and gas exploration.[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that includes a zonal isolation assembly that includes one or more solid tubular members, each solid tubular member including one or more external seals, and one or more perforated tubular members coupled to the solid tubular members, and a shoe coupled to the zonal isolation assembly.[0006]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that includes a zonal isolation assembly that includes one or more primary solid tubulars, each primary solid tubular including one or more external annular seals, n perforated tubulars coupled to the primary solid tubulars, and n−1 intermediate solid tubulars coupled to and interleaved among the perforated tubulars, each intermediate solid tubular including one or more external annular seals, and a shoe coupled to the zonal isolation assembly.[0007]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of isolating a first subterranean zone from a second subterranean zone in a wellbore is provided that includes positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, the primary solid tubulars traversing the first subterranean zone, positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the second subterranean zone, fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars and the primary solid tubulars, and preventing the passage of fluids from the first subterranean zone to the second subterranean zone within the wellbore external to the solid and perforated tubulars.[0008]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of extracting materials from a producing subterranean zone in a wellbore, at least a portion of the wellbore including a casing, is provided that includes positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, fluidicly coupling the primary solid tubulars with the casing, positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the producing subterranean zone, fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars with the primary solid tubulars, fluidicly isolating the producing subterranean zone from at least one other subterranean zone within the wellbore, and fluidicly coupling at least one of the perforated tubulars with the producing subterranean zone.[0009]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that includes a subterranean formation including a wellbore, a zonal isolation assembly at least partially positioned within the wellbore that includes one or more solid tubular members, each solid tubular member including one or more external seals, and one or more perforated tubular members coupled to the solid tubular members, and a shoe positioned within the wellbore coupled to the zonal isolation assembly, wherein at least one of the solid tubular members and the perforated tubular members are formed by a radial expansion process performed within the wellbore.[0010]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that includes a subterranean formation including a wellbore, a zonal isolation assembly positioned within the wellbore that includes one or more primary solid tubulars, each primary solid tubular including one or more external annular seals, n perforated tubulars positioned coupled to the primary solid tubulars, and n−1 intermediate solid tubulars coupled to and interleaved among the perforated tubulars, each intermediate solid tubular including one or more external annular seals, and a shoe coupled to the zonal isolation assembly, wherein at least one of the primary solid tubulars, the perforated tubulars, and the intermediate solid tubulars are formed by a radial expansion process performed within the wellbore.[0011]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of isolating a first subterranean zone from a second subterranean zone in a wellbore is provided that includes positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, the primary solid tubulars traversing the first subterranean zone, positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the second subterranean zone, radially expanding at least one of the primary solid tubulars and perforated tubulars within the wellbore, fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars and the primary solid tubulars, and preventing the passage of fluids from the first subterranean zone to the second subterranean zone within the wellbore external to the primary solid tubulars and perforated tubulars.[0012]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of extracting materials from a producing subterranean zone in a wellbore, at least a portion of the wellbore including a casing, is provided that includes positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the producing subterranean zone, radially expanding at least one of the primary solid tubulars and the perforated tubulars within the wellbore, fluidicly coupling the primary solid tubulars with the casing, fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars with the primary solid tubulars, fluidicly isolating the producing subterranean zone from at least one other subterranean zone within the wellbore, and fluidicly coupling at least one of the perforated tubulars with the producing subterranean zone.[0013]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that includes a subterranean formation including a wellbore, a zonal isolation assembly positioned within the wellbore that includes n solid tubular members positioned within the wellbore, each solid tubular member including one or more external seals, and n−1 perforated tubular members positioned within the wellbore coupled to and interleaved among the solid tubular members, and a shoe positioned within the wellbore coupled to the zonal isolation assembly.[0014]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for isolating a first subterranean zone from a second subterranean zone in a wellbore is provided that includes means for positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, the primary solid tubulars traversing the first subterranean zone, means for positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the second subterranean zone, means for fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars and the primary solid tubulars, and means for preventing the passage of fluids from the first subterranean zone to the second subterranean zone within the wellbore external to the primary solid tubulars and the perforated tubulars.[0015]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for extracting materials from a producing subterranean zone in a wellbore, at least a portion of the wellbore including a casing, is provided that includes means for positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, means for fluidicly coupling the primary solid tubulars with the casing, means for positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the producing subterranean zone, means for fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars with the primary solid tubulars, means for fluidicly isolating the producing subterranean zone from at least one other subterranean zone within the wellbore, and means for fluidicly coupling at least one of the perforated tubulars with the producing subterranean zone.[0016]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for isolating a first subterranean zone from a second subterranean zone in a wellbore is provided that includes means for positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, the primary solid tubulars traversing the first subterranean zone, means for positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the second subterranean zone, means for radially expanding at least one of the primary solid tubulars and perforated tubulars within the wellbore, means for fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars and the primary solid tubulars, and means for preventing the passage of fluids from the first subterranean zone to the second subterranean zone within the wellbore external to the primary solid tubulars and perforated tubulars.[0017]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for extracting materials from a producing subterranean zone in a wellbore, at least a portion of the wellbore including a casing, is provided that includes means for positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, means for positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the producing subterranean zone, means for radially expanding at least one of the primary solid tubulars and the perforated tubulars within the wellbore, means for fluidicly coupling the primary solid tubulars with the casing, means for fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars with the solid tubulars, means for fluidicly isolating the producing subterranean zone from at least one other subterranean zone within the wellbore, and means for fluidicly coupling at least one of the perforated tubulars with the producing subterranean zone.[0018]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for isolating subterranean zones traversed by a wellbore is also provided that includes a tubular support member defining a first passage, a tubular expansion cone defining a second passage fluidicly coupled to the first passage coupled to an end of the tubular support member and comprising a tapered end, a tubular liner coupled to and supported by the tapered end of the tubular expansion cone, and a shoe defining a valveable passage coupled to an end of the tubular liner, wherein the tubular liner includes one or more expandable tubular members that each include a tubular body comprising an intermediate portion and first and second expanded end portions coupled to opposing ends of the intermediate portion, and a sealing member coupled to the exterior surface of the intermediate portion, and one or more slotted tubular members coupled to the expandable tubular members, wherein the inside diameters of the other tubular members are greater than or equal to the outside diameter of the tubular expansion cone.[0019]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of isolating subterranean zones traversed by a wellbore is also provided that includes positioning a tubular liner within the wellbore, and radially expanding one or more discrete portions of the tubular liner into engagement with the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of discrete portions of the tubular liner are radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore.[0020]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for isolating subterranean zones traversed by a wellbore is also provided that includes means for positioning a tubular liner within the wellbore, and means for radially expanding one or more discrete portions of the tubular liner into engagement with the wellbore.[0021]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for isolating subterranean zones is also provided that includes a subterranean formation defining a borehole, and a tubular liner positioned in and coupled to the borehole at one or more discrete locations.[0022]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the isolation of subterranean zones.[0023]
• FIG. 2[0024]ais a cross sectional illustration of the placement of an illustrative embodiment of a system for isolating subterranean zones within a borehole.
• FIG. 2[0025]bis a cross sectional illustration of the system of FIG. 2aduring the injection of a fluidic material into the tubular support member.
• FIG. 2[0026]cis a cross sectional illustration of the system of FIG. 2bwhile pulling the tubular expansion cone out of the wellbore.
• FIG. 2[0027]dis a cross sectional illustration of the system of FIG. 2cafter the tubular expansion cone has been completely pulled out of the wellbore.
• FIG. 3 is a cross sectional illustration of an illustrative embodiment of the expandable tubular members of the system of FIG. 2[0028]a.
• FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustration of an illustrative embodiment of a method for manufacturing the expandable tubular member of FIG. 3.[0029]
• FIG. 5[0030]ais a cross sectional illustration of an illustrative embodiment of the upsetting of the ends of a tubular member.
• FIG. 5[0031]bis a cross sectional illustration of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 5aafter radially expanding and plastically deforming the ends of the expandable tubular member.
• FIG. 5[0032]cis a cross sectional illustration of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 5bafter forming threaded connections on the ends of the expandable tubular member.
• FIG. 5[0033]dis a cross sectional illustration of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 5cafter coupling sealing members to the exterior surface of the intermediate unexpanded portion of the expandable tubular member.
• FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular expansion cone.[0034]
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular expansion cone.[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
• An apparatus and method for isolating one or more subterranean zones from one or more other subterranean zones is provided. The apparatus and method permits a producing zone to be isolated from a nonproducing zone using a combination of solid and slotted tubulars. In the production mode, the teachings of the present disclosure may be used in combination with conventional, well known, production completion equipment and methods using a series of packers, solid tubing, perforated tubing, and sliding sleeves, which will be inserted into the disclosed apparatus to permit the commingling and/or isolation of the subterranean zones from each other.[0036]
• Referring to FIG. 1, a[0037]wellbore105 including acasing110 are positioned in asubterranean formation115. Thesubterranean formation115 includes a number of productive and non-productive zones, including awater zone120 and a targetedoil sand zone125. During exploration of thesubterranean formation115, thewellbore105 may be extended in a well known manner to traverse the various productive and non-productive zones, including thewater zone120 and the targetedoil sand zone125.
• In a preferred embodiment, in order to fluidicly isolate the[0038]water zone120 from the targetedoil sand zone125, anapparatus130 is provided that includes one or more sections ofsolid casing135, one or moreexternal seals140, one or more sections of slottedcasing145, one or more intermediate sections ofsolid casing150, and asolid shoe155.
• The[0039]solid casing135 may provide a fluid conduit that transmits fluids and other materials from one end of thesolid casing135 to the other end of thesolid casing135. Thesolid casing135 may comprise any number of conventional commercially available sections of solid tubular casing such as, for example, oilfield tubulars fabricated from chromium steel or fiberglass. In a preferred embodiment, thesolid casing135 comprises oilfield tubulars available from various foreign and domestic steel mills.
• The[0040]solid casing135 is preferably coupled to thecasing110. Thesolid casing135 may be coupled to thecasing110 using any number of conventional commercially available processes such as, for example, welding, slotted and expandable connectors, or expandable solid connectors. In a preferred embodiment, thesolid casing135 is coupled to thecasing110 by using expandable solid connectors. Thesolid casing135 may comprise a plurality of suchsolid casing135.
• The[0041]solid casing135 is preferably coupled to one more of the slottedcasings145. Thesolid casing135 may be coupled to the slottedcasing145 using any number of conventional commercially available processes such as, for example, welding, or slotted and expandable connectors. In a preferred embodiment, thesolid casing135 is coupled to the slottedcasing145 by expandable solid connectors.
• In a preferred embodiment, the[0042]casing135 includes onemore valve members160 for controlling the flow of fluids and other materials within the interior region of thecasing135. In an alternative embodiment, during the production mode of operation, an internal tubular string with various arrangements of packers, perforated tubing, sliding sleeves, and valves may be employed within the apparatus to provide various options for commingling and isolating subterranean zones from each other while providing a fluid path to the surface.
• In a particularly preferred embodiment, the[0043]casing135 is placed into thewellbore105 by expanding thecasing135 in the radial direction into intimate contact with the interior walls of thewellbore105. Thecasing135 may be expanded in the radial direction using any number of conventional commercially available methods.
• The[0044]seals140 prevent the passage of fluids and other materials within theannular region165 between thesolid casings135 and150 and thewellbore105. Theseals140 may comprise any number of conventional commercially available sealing materials suitable for sealing a casing in a wellbore such as, for example, lead, rubber or epoxy. In a preferred embodiment, theseals140 comprise Stratalok epoxy material available from Halliburton Energy Services. The slottedcasing145 permits fluids and other materials to pass into and out of the interior of the slotted casing145 from and to theannular region165. In this manner, oil and gas may be produced from a producing subterranean zone within a subterranean formation. The slottedcasing145 may comprise any number of conventional commercially available sections of slotted tubular casing. In a preferred embodiment, the slottedcasing145 comprises expandable slotted tubular casing available from Petroline in Abeerdeen, Scotland. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the slottedcasing145 comprises expandable slotted sandscreen tubular casing available from Petroline in Abeerdeen, Scotland.
• The slotted[0045]casing145 is preferably coupled to one or moresolid casing135. The slottedcasing145 may be coupled to thesolid casing135 using any number of conventional commercially available processes such as, for example, welding, or slotted or solid expandable connectors. In a preferred embodiment, the slottedcasing145 is coupled to thesolid casing135 by expandable solid connectors.
• The slotted[0046]casing145 is preferably coupled to one or more intermediatesolid casings150. The slottedcasing145 may be coupled to the intermediatesolid casing150 using any number of conventional commercially available processes such as, for example, welding or expandable solid or slotted connectors. In a preferred embodiment, the slottedcasing145 is coupled to the intermediatesolid casing150 by expandable solid connectors.
• The last slotted[0047]casing145 is preferably coupled to theshoe155. The last slottedcasing145 may be coupled to theshoe155 using any number of conventional commercially available processes such as, for example, welding or expandable solid or slotted connectors. In a preferred embodiment, the last slottedcasing145 is coupled to theshoe155 by an expandable solid connector.
• In an alternative embodiment, the[0048]shoe155 is coupled directly to the last one of the intermediatesolid casings150.
• In a preferred embodiment, the slotted[0049]casings145 are positioned within thewellbore105 by expanding the slottedcasings145 in a radial direction into intimate contact with the interior walls of thewellbore105. The slottedcasings145 may be expanded in a radial direction using any number of conventional commercially available processes.
• The intermediate[0050]solid casing150 permits fluids and other materials to pass between adjacent slottedcasings145. The intermediatesolid casing150 may comprise any number of conventional commercially available sections of solid tubular casing such as, for example, oilfield tubulars fabricated from chromium steel or fiberglass. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediatesolid casing150 comprises oilfield tubulars available from foreign and domestic steel mills.
• The intermediate[0051]solid casing150 is preferably coupled to one or more sections of the slottedcasing145. The intermediatesolid casing150 may be coupled to the slottedcasing145 using any number of conventional commercially available processes such as, for example, welding, or solid or slotted expandable connectors. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediatesolid casing150 is coupled to the slottedcasing145 by expandable solid connectors. The intermediatesolid casing150 may comprise a plurality of such intermediatesolid casing150.
• In a preferred embodiment, the each intermediate[0052]solid casing150 includes onemore valve members170 for controlling the flow of fluids and other materials within the interior region of theintermediate casing150. In an alternative embodiment, as will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art and the benefit of the present disclosure, during the production mode of operation, an internal tubular string with various arrangements of packers, perforated tubing, sliding sleeves, and valves may be employed within the apparatus to provide various options for commingling and isolating subterranean zones from each other while providing a fluid path to the surface.
• In a particularly preferred embodiment, the[0053]intermediate casing150 is placed into thewellbore105 by expanding theintermediate casing150 in the radial direction into intimate contact with the interior walls of thewellbore105. Theintermediate casing150 may be expanded in the radial direction using any number of conventional commercially available methods.
• In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the intermediate[0054]solid casings150 may be omitted. In an alternative preferred embodiment, one or more of the slottedcasings145 are provided with one ormore seals140.
• The[0055]shoe155 provides a support member for theapparatus130. In this manner, various production and exploration tools may be supported by theshow150. Theshoe150 may comprise any number of conventional commercially available shoes suitable for use in a wellbore such as, for example, cement filled shoe, or an aluminum or composite shoe. In a preferred embodiment, theshoe150 comprises an aluminum shoe available from Halliburton. In a preferred embodiment, theshoe155 is selected to provide sufficient strength in compression and tension to permit the use of high capacity production and exploration tools.
• In a particularly preferred embodiment, the[0056]apparatus130 includes a plurality ofsolid casings135, a plurality ofseals140, a plurality of slottedcasings145, a plurality of intermediatesolid casings150, and ashoe155. More generally, theapparatus130 may comprise one or moresolid casings135, each with one ormore valve members160, n slottedcasings145, n−1 intermediatesolid casings150, each with one ormore valve members170, and ashoe155.
• During operation of the[0057]apparatus130, oil and gas may be controllably produced from the targetedoil sand zone125 using the slottedcasings145. The oil and gas may then be transported to a surface location using thesolid casing135. The use of intermediatesolid casings150 withvalve members170 permits isolated sections of thezone125 to be selectively isolated for production. Theseals140 permit thezone125 to be fluidicly isolated from thezone120. Theseals140 further permits isolated sections of thezone125 to be fluidicly isolated from each other. In this manner, theapparatus130 permits unwanted and/or non-productive subterranean zones to be fluidicly isolated.
• In an alternative embodiment, as will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art and also having the benefit of the present disclosure, during the production mode of operation, an internal tubular string with various arrangements of packers, perforated tubing, sliding sleeves, and valves may be employed within the apparatus to provide various options for commingling and isolating subterranean zones from each other while providing a fluid path to the surface.[0058]
• Referring to FIGS. 2[0059]a-2d, an illustrative embodiment of asystem200 for isolating subterranean formations includes atubular support member202 that defines apassage202a. Atubular expansion cone204 that defines apassage204ais coupled to an end of thetubular support member202. In an exemplary embodiment, thetubular expansion cone204 includes a taperedouter surface204bfor reasons to be described.
• A[0060]pre-expanded end206aof a firstexpandable tubular member206 that defines apassage206bis adapted to mate with and be supported by the taperedouter surface204bof thetubular expansion cone204. The firstexpandable tubular member 206 further includes an unexpandedintermediate portion206c, anotherpre-expanded end206d, and a sealingmember206ecoupled to the exterior surface of the unexpanded intermediate portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the inside and outside diameters of the pre-expanded ends,206aand206d, of the firstexpandable tubular member206 are greater than the inside and outside diameters of the unexpandedintermediate portion206c. Anend208aof ashoe208 is coupled to thepre-expanded end206aof the firstexpandable tubular member206 by a conventional threaded connection.
• An[0061]end210aof a slottedtubular member210 that defines apassage210bis coupled to the otherpre-expanded end206dof the firstexpandable tubular member206 by a conventional threaded connection. Anotherend210cof the slottedtubular member210 is coupled to anend212aof a slottedtubular member212 that defines apassage212bby a conventional threaded connection. Apre-expanded end214aof a secondexpandable tubular member214 that defines apassage214bis coupled to theother end212cof thetubular member212. The secondexpandable tubular member214 further includes an unexpandedintermediate portion214c, anotherpre-expanded end214d, and a sealingmember214ecoupled to the exterior surface of the unexpanded intermediate portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the inside and outside diameters of the pre-expanded ends,214aand214d, of the secondexpandable tubular member214 are greater than the inside and outside diameters of the unexpandedintermediate portion214c.
• An[0062]end216aof a slottedtubular member216 that defines apassage216bis coupled to the otherpre-expanded end214dof the secondexpandable tubular member214 by a conventional threaded connection. Anotherend216cof the slottedtubular member216 is coupled to anend218aof a slottedtubular member218 that defines apassage218bby a conventional threaded connection. Apre-expanded end220aof a third expandabletubular member220 that defines apassage220bis coupled to theother end218cof the slottedtubular member218. The third expandabletubular member220 further includes an unexpandedintermediate portion220c, anotherpre-expanded end220d, and a sealingmember220ecoupled to the exterior surface of the unexpanded intermediate portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the inside and outside diameters of the pre-expanded ends,220aand220d, of the third expandabletubular member220 are greater than the inside and outside diameters of the unexpandedintermediate portion220c.
• An[0063]end222aof atubular member222 is threadably coupled to the end30dof the third expandabletubular member220.
• In an exemplary embodiment, the inside and outside diameters of the pre-expanded ends,[0064]206a,206d,214a,214d,220aand220d, of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, and the slottedtubular members210,212,216, and218, are substantially equal. In several exemplary embodiments, the sealing members,206e,214e, and220e, of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, respectively, further include anchoring elements for engaging thewellbore casing104. In several exemplary embodiments, the slotted tubular members,210,212,216, and218, are conventional slotted tubular members having threaded end connections suitable for use in an oil or gas well, an underground pipeline, or as a structural support. In several alternative embodiments, the slotted tubular members,210,212,216, and218 are conventional slotted tubular members for recovering or introducing fluidic materials such as, for example, oil, gas and/or water from or into a subterranean formation.
• In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2[0065]a, thesystem200 is initially positioned in a borehole224 formed in asubterranean formation226 that includes awater zone226aand a targetedoil sand zone226b. The borehole224 may be positioned in any orientation from vertical to horizontal. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper end of thetubular support member202 may be supported in a conventional manner using, for example, a slip joint, or equivalent device in order to permit upward movement of the tubular support member andtubular expansion cone204 relative to one or more of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, and tubular members,210,212,216, and218.
• In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2[0066]b, afluidic material228 is then injected into thesystem200, through the passages,202aand204a, of thetubular support member202 andtubular expansion cone204, respectively.
• In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2[0067]c, the continued injection of thefluidic material228 through the passages,202aand204a, of thetubular support member202 and thetubular expansion cone204, respectively, pressurizes the passage18bof the shoe18 below the tubular expansion cone thereby radially expanding and plastically deforming theexpandable tubular member206 off of the taperedexternal surface204bof thetubular expansion cone204. In particular, the intermediate nonpre-expanded portion206cof theexpandable tubular member206 is radially expanded and plastically deformed off of the taperedexternal surface204bof thetubular expansion cone204. As a result, the sealingmember206eengages the interior surface of thewellbore casing104. Consequently, the radially expandedintermediate portion206cof theexpandable tubular member206 is thereby coupled to thewellbore casing104. In an exemplary embodiment, the radially expandedintermediate portion206cof theexpandable tubular member206 is also thereby anchored to thewellbore casing104.
• In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2[0068]d, after theexpandable tubular member206 has been plastically deformed and radially expanded off of the taperedexternal surface204bof thetubular expansion cone204, the tubular expansion cone is pulled out of the borehole224 by applying an upward force to thetubular support member202. As a result, the second and third expandable tubular members,214 and220, are radially expanded and plastically deformed off of the taperedexternal surface204bof thetubular expansion cone204. In particular, the intermediate nonpre-expanded portion214cof the secondexpandable tubular member214 is radially expanded and plastically deformed off of the taperedexternal surface204bof thetubular expansion cone204. As a result, the sealingmember214eengages the interior surface of thewellbore224. Consequently, the radially expandedintermediate portion214cof the secondexpandable tubular member214 is thereby coupled to thewellbore224. In an exemplary embodiment, the radially expandedintermediate portion214cof the secondexpandable tubular member214 is also thereby anchored to thewellbore104. Furthermore, the continued application of the upward force to thetubular member202 will then displace thetubular expansion cone204 upwardly into engagement with thepre-expanded end220aof the third expandabletubular member220. Finally, the continued application of the upward force to thetubular member202 will then radially expand and plastically deform the third expandabletubular member220 off of the taperedexternal surface204bof thetubular expansion cone204. In particular, the intermediate nonpre-expanded portion220cof the third expandabletubular member220 is radially expanded and plastically deformed off of the taperedexternal surface204bof thetubular expansion cone204. As a result, the sealingmember220eengages the interior surface of thewellbore224. Consequently, the radially expandedintermediate portion220cof the third expandabletubular member220 is thereby coupled to thewellbore224. In an exemplary embodiment, the radially expandedintermediate portion220cof the third expandabletubular member220 is also thereby anchored to thewellbore224. As a result, thewater zone226aand fluidicly isolated from the targetedoil sand zone226b.
• After completing the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the third expandable[0069]tubular member220, thetubular support member202 and thetubular expansion cone204 are removed from thewellbore224.
• Thus, during the operation of the system[0070]10, the intermediate non pre-expanded portions,206c,214c, and220c, of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, respectively, are radially expanded and plastically deformed by the upward displacement of thetubular expansion cone204. As a result, the sealing members,206e,214e, and220e, are displaced in the radial direction into engagement with thewellbore224 thereby coupling theshoe208, theexpandable tubular member206, the slotted tubular members,210 and212, theexpandable tubular member214, the slotted tubular members,216 and218, and theexpandable tubular member220 to the wellbore. Furthermore, as a result, the connections between the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, theshoe208, and the slotted tubular members,210,212,216, and218, do not have to be expandable connections thereby providing significant cost savings. In addition, the inside diameters of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, and the slotted tubular members,210,212,216, and218, after the radial expansion process, are substantially equal. In this manner, additional conventional tools and other conventional equipment may be easily positioned within, and moved through, the expandable and slotted tubular members. In several alternative embodiments, the conventional tools and equipment include conventional valving and other conventional flow control devices for controlling the flow of fluidic materials within and between the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, and the slotted tubular members,210,212,216, and218.
• Furthermore, in the[0071]system200, the slottedtubular members210,212,216, and218 are interleaved among the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220. As a result, because only the intermediate non pre-expanded portions,206c,214c, and220c, of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, respectively, are radially expanded and plastically deformed, the slotted tubular members,210,212,216, and218 can be conventional slotted tubular members thereby significantly reducing the cost and complexity of the system10. Moreover, because only the intermediate non pre-expanded portions,206c,214c, and220c, of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, respectively, are radially expanded and plastically deformed, the number and length of the interleaved slotted tubular members,210,212,216, and218 can be much greater than the number and length of the expandable tubular members. In an exemplary embodiment, the total length of the intermediate non pre-expanded portions,206c,214c, and220c, of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, is approximately 200 feet, and the total length of the slotted tubular members,210,212,216, and218, is approximately 3800 feet. Consequently, in an exemplary embodiment, asystem200 having a total length of approximately 4000 feet is coupled to thewellbore224 by radially expanding and plastically deforming a total length of only approximately 200 feet.
• Furthermore, the sealing[0072]members206e,214e, and220e, of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, respectively, are used to couple the expandable tubular members and the slotted tubular members,210,212,216, and218 to thewellbore224, the radial gap between the slotted tubular members, the expandable tubular members, and thewellbore224 may be large enough to effectively eliminate the possibility of damage to the expandable tubular members and slotted tubular members during the placement of thesystem200 within the wellbore.
• In an exemplary embodiment, the pre-expanded ends,[0073]206a,206d,214a,214d,220a, and220d, of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, respectively, and the slotted tubular members,210,212,216, and218, have outside diameters and wall thicknesses of 8.375 inches and 0.350 inches, respectively; prior to the radial expansion, the intermediate non pre-expanded portions,206c,214c, and220c, of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, respectively, have outside diameters of 7.625 inches; the slotted tubular members,210,212,216, and218, have inside diameters of 7.675 inches; after the radial expansion, the inside diameters of the intermediate portions,206c,214c, and220c, of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, are equal to 7.675 inches; and thewellbore224 has an inside diameter of 8.755 inches.
• In an exemplary embodiment, the pre-expanded ends,[0074]206a,206d,214a,214d,220a, and220d, of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, respectively, and the slotted tubular members,210,212,216, and218, have outside diameters and wall thicknesses of 4.500 inches and 0.250 inches, respectively; prior to the radial expansion, the intermediate non pre-expanded portions,206c,214c, and220c, of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, respectively, have outside diameters of 4.000 inches; the slotted tubular members,210,212,216, and218, have inside diameters of 4.000 inches; after the radial expansion, the inside diameters of the intermediate portions,206c,214c, and220c, of the expandable tubular members,206,214, and220, are equal to 4.000 inches; and thewellbore224 has an inside diameter of 4.892 inches.
• In an exemplary embodiment, the[0075]system200 is used to inject or extract fluidic materials such as, for example, oil, gas, and/or water into or from thesubterranean formation226b.
• Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of an[0076]expandable tubular member300 will now be described. Thetubular member300 defines aninterior region300aand includes afirst end300bincluding a first threadedconnection300ba, a firsttapered portion300c, anintermediate portion300d, a secondtapered portion300e, and asecond end300fincluding a second threadedconnection300fa. Thetubular member300 further preferably includes anintermediate sealing member300gthat is coupled to the exterior surface of theintermediate portion300d.
• In an exemplary embodiment, the[0077]tubular member300 has a substantially annular cross section. Thetubular member300 may be fabricated from any number of conventional commercially available materials such as, for example, Oilfield Country Tubular Goods (OCTG), 13 chromium steel tubing/casing, or L83, J55, or P110 API casing.
• In an exemplary embodiment, the interior[0078]300aof thetubular member300 has a substantially circular cross section. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, theinterior region300aof the tubular member includes a first inside diameter D₁, an intermediate inside diameter D_INT, and a second inside diameter D₂. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second inside diameters, D₁and D₂, are substantially equal. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second inside diameters, D₁and D₂, are greater than the intermediate inside diameter D_INT.
• The[0079]first end300bof thetubular member300 is coupled to theintermediate portion300dby the firsttapered portion300c, and thesecond end300fof the tubular member is coupled to the intermediate portion by the secondtapered portion300e. In an exemplary embodiment, the outside diameters of the first and second ends,300band300f, of thetubular member300 is greater than the outside diameter of theintermediate portion300dof the tubular member. The first and second ends,300band300f, of thetubular member300 include wall thicknesses, t₁and t₂, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the outside diameter of theintermediate portion300dof thetubular member300 ranges from about 75% to 98% of the outside diameters of the first and second ends,300aand300f. Theintermediate portion300dof thetubular member300 includes a wall thickness t_INT.
• In an exemplary embodiment, the wall thicknesses t[0080]₁and t₂are substantially equal in order to provide substantially equal burst strength for the first and second ends,300aand300f, of thetubular member300. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall thicknesses, t₁and t₂, are both greater than the wall thickness t_INTin order to optimally match the burst strength of the first and second ends,300aand300f, of thetubular member300 with theintermediate portion300dof thetubular member300.
• In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second tapered portions,[0081]300cand300e, are inclined at an angle, α, relative to the longitudinal direction ranging from about 0 to 30 degrees in order to optimally facilitate the radial expansion of thetubular member300. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second tapered portions,300cand300e, provide a smooth transition between the first and second ends,300aand300f, and theintermediate portion300d, of thetubular member300 in order to minimize stress concentrations.
• The[0082]intermediate sealing member300gis coupled to the outer surface of theintermediate portion300dof thetubular member300. In an exemplary embodiment, theintermediate sealing member300gseals the interface between theintermediate portion300dof thetubular member300 and the interior surface of awellbore casing305, or other preexisting structure, after the radial expansion and plastic deformation of theintermediate portion300dof thetubular member300. In an exemplary embodiment, theintermediate sealing member300ghas a substantially annular cross section. In an exemplary embodiment, the outside diameter of theintermediate sealing member300gis selected to be less than the outside diameters of the first and second ends,300aand300f, of thetubular member300 in order to optimally protect theintermediate sealing member300gduring placement of thetubular member300 within thewellbore casings305. Theintermediate sealing member300gmay be fabricated from any number of conventional commercially available materials such as, for example, thermoset or thermoplastic polymers. In an exemplary embodiment, theintermediate sealing member300gis fabricated from thermoset polymers in order to optimally seal the radially expandedintermediate portion300dof thetubular member300 with thewellbore casing305. In several alternative embodiments, the sealingmember300gincludes one or more rigid anchors for engaging thewellbore casing305 to thereby anchor the radially expanded and plastically deformedintermediate portion300dof thetubular member300 to the wellbore casing.
• Referring to FIGS.[0083]4, and5ato5d, in an exemplary embodiment, thetubular member300 is formed by aprocess400 that includes the steps of: (1) upsetting both ends of a tubular member instep405; (2) expanding both upset ends of the tubular member instep410; (3) stress relieving both expanded upset ends of the tubular member instep415; (4) forming threaded connections in both expanded upset ends of the tubular member instep420; and (5) putting a sealing material on the outside diameter of the non-expanded intermediate portion of the tubular member instep425.
• As illustrated in FIG. 5[0084]a, instep405, both ends,500aand500b, of atubular member500 are upset using conventional upsetting methods. The upset ends,500aand500b, of thetubular member500 include the wall thicknesses t₁and t₂. Theintermediate portion500cof thetubular member500 includes the wall thickness t_INTand the interior diameter D_INT. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall thicknesses t₁and t₂are substantially equal in order to provide burst strength that is substantially equal along the entire length of thetubular member500. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall thicknesses t₁and t₂are both greater than the wall thickness t_INTin order to provide burst strength that is substantially equal along the entire length of thetubular member500, and also to optimally facilitate the formation of threaded connections in the first and second ends,500aand500b.
• As illustrated in FIG. 5[0085]b, insteps410 and415, both ends,500aand500b, of thetubular member500 are radially expanded using conventional radial expansion methods, and then both ends,500aand500b, of the tubular member are stress relieved. The radially expanded ends,500aand500b, of thetubular member500 include the interior diameters D₁and D₂. In an exemplary embodiment, the interior diameters D₁and D₂are substantially equal in order to provide a burst strength that is substantially equal. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the interior diameters D₁and D₂to the interior diameter D_INTranges from about 100% to 120% in order to facilitate the subsequent radial expansion of thetubular member500.
• In a preferred embodiment, the relationship between the wall thicknesses t[0086]₁, t₂, and t_INTof thetubular member500; the inside diameters D₁, D₂and D_INTof thetubular member500; the inside diameter D_wellboreof the wellbore casing, or other structure, that thetubular member500 will be inserted into; and the outside diameter D_coneof the expansion cone that will be used to radially expand thetubular member500 within the wellbore casing is given by the following expression:$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Dwellbore}-2*t_1\ge D_1\ge \frac{1}{t_1}\left[\left(t_1-t_{\mathrm{INT}}\right)*D_{\mathrm{cone}}+t_{\mathrm{INT}}*D_{\mathrm{INT}}\right]& \left(1\right)\end{array}$

  
• where t[0087]₁=t₂; and
• D[0088]₁=D₂.
• By satisfying the relationship given in equation (1), the expansion forces placed upon the[0089]tubular member500 during the subsequent radial expansion process are substantially equalized. More generally, the relationship given in equation (1) may be used to calculate the optimal geometry for thetubular member500 for subsequent radial expansion and plastic deformation of thetubular member500 for fabricating and/or repairing a wellbore casing, a pipeline, or a structural support.
• As illustrated in FIG. 5[0090]c, instep420, conventional threaded connections,500dand500e, are formed in both expanded ends,500aand500b, of thetubular member500. In an exemplary embodiment, the threaded connections,500dand500e, are provided using conventional processes for forming pin and box type threaded connections available from Atlas-Bradford.
• As illustrated in FIG. 5[0091]d, instep425, a sealingmember500fis then applied onto the outside diameter of the non-expandedintermediate portion500cof thetubular member500. The sealingmember500fmay be applied to the outside diameter of the non-expandedintermediate portion500cof thetubular member500 using any number of conventional commercially available methods. In a preferred embodiment, the sealingmember500fis applied to the outside diameter of theintermediate portion500cof thetubular member500 using commercially available chemical and temperature resistant adhesive bonding.
• In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular members,[0092]206,214, and220, of thesystem200 are substantially identical to, and/or incorporate one or more of the teachings of, thetubular members300 and500.
• Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary embodiment of[0093]tubular expansion cone600 for radially expanding thetubular members206,214,220,300 and500 will now be described. Theexpansion cone600 defines apassage600aand includes afront end605, arear end610, and aradial expansion section615.
• In an exemplary embodiment, the[0094]radial expansion section615 includes a first conicalouter surface620 and a second conicalouter surface625. The first conicalouter surface620 includes an angle of attack α₁and the second conicalouter surface625 includes an angle of attack α₂. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle of attack α₁is greater than the angle of attack α₂. In this manner, the first conicalouter surface620 optimally radially expands the intermediate portions,206c,214c,220c,300d, and500c, of the tubular members,206,214,220,300, and500, and the second conical outer surface525 optimally radially expands the pre-expanded first and second ends,206aand206d,214aand214d,220aand220d,300band300f, and500aand500b, of the tubular members,206,214,220,300 and500. In an exemplary embodiment, the first conicalouter surface620 includes an angle of attack α₁ranging from about 8 to 20 degrees, and the second conicalouter surface625 includes an angle of attack α₂ranging from about 4 to 15 degrees in order to optimally radially expand and plastically deform the tubular members,206,214,220,300 and500. More generally, theexpansion cone600 may include 3 or more adjacent conical outer surfaces having angles of attack that decrease from thefront end605 of theexpansion cone600 to therear end610 of theexpansion cone600.
• Referring to FIG. 7, another exemplary embodiment of a[0095]tubular expansion cone700 defines apassage700aand includes afront end705, arear end710, and aradial expansion section715. In an exemplary embodiment, theradial expansion section715 includes an outer surface having a substantially parabolic outer profile thereby providing a paraboloid shape. In this manner, the outer surface of theradial expansion section715 provides an angle of attack that constantly decreases from a maximum at thefront end705 of theexpansion cone700 to a minimum at therear end710 of the expansion cone. The parabolic outer profile of the outer surface of theradial expansion section715 may be formed using a plurality of adjacent discrete conical sections and/or using a continuous curved surface. In this manner, the region of the outer surface of theradial expansion section715 adjacent to thefront end705 of theexpansion cone700 may optimally radially expand the intermediate portions,206c,214c,220c,300d, and500c, of the tubular members,206,214,220,300, and500, while the region of the outer surface of theradial expansion section715 adjacent to therear end710 of theexpansion cone700 may optimally radially expand the pre-expanded first and second ends,206aand206d,214aand214d,220aand220d,300band300f, and500aand500b, of the tubular members,206,214,220,300 and500. In an exemplary embodiment, the parabolic profile of the outer surface of theradial expansion section715 is selected to provide an angle of attack that ranges from about 8 to 20 degrees in the vicinity of thefront end705 of theexpansion cone700 and an angle of attack in the vicinity of therear end710 of theexpansion cone700 from about 4 to 15 degrees.
• In an exemplary embodiment, the[0096]tubular expansion cone204 of thesystem200 is substantially identical to theexpansion cones600 or700, and/or incorporates one or more of the teachings of theexpansion cones600 and/or700.
• In several alternative embodiments, the teachings of the[0097]apparatus130, thesystem200, theexpandable tubular member300, themethod400, and/or theexpandable tubular member500 are at least partially combined.
• An apparatus has been described that includes a zonal isolation assembly including one or more solid tubular members, each solid tubular member including one or more external seals, and one or more perforated tubular members coupled to the solid tubular members, and a shoe coupled to the zonal isolation assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the zonal isolation assembly further includes one or more intermediate solid tubular members coupled to and interleaved among the perforated tubular members, each intermediate solid tubular member including one or more external seals. In an exemplary embodiment, the zonal isolation assembly further includes one or more valve members for controlling the flow of fluidic materials between the tubular members. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the intermediate solid tubular members include one or more valve members.[0098]
• An apparatus has also been described that includes a zonal isolation assembly that includes one or more primary solid tubulars, each primary solid tubular including one or more external annular seals, n perforated tubulars coupled to the primary solid tubulars, and n−1 intermediate solid tubulars coupled to and interleaved among the perforated tubulars, each intermediate solid tubular including one or more external annular seals, and a shoe coupled to the zonal isolation assembly.[0099]
• A method of isolating a first subterranean zone from a second subterranean zone in a wellbore has also been described that includes positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, the primary solid tubulars traversing the first subterranean zone, positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the second subterranean zone, fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars and the primary solid tubulars, and preventing the passage of fluids from the first subterranean zone to the second subterranean zone within the wellbore external to the solid and perforated tubulars.[0100]
• A method of extracting materials from a producing subterranean zone in a wellbore, at least a portion of the wellbore including a casing, has also been described that includes positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, fluidicly coupling the primary solid tubulars with the casing, positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the producing subterranean zone, fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars with the primary solid tubulars, fluidicly isolating the producing subterranean zone from at least one other subterranean zone within the wellbore, and fluidicly coupling at least one of the perforated tubulars with the producing subterranean zone. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes controllably fluidicly decoupling at least one of the perforated tubulars from at least one other of the perforated tubulars.[0101]
• An apparatus has also been described that includes a subterranean formation including a wellbore, a zonal isolation assembly at least partially positioned within the wellbore that includes one or more solid tubular members, each solid tubular member including one or more external seals, and one or more perforated tubular members coupled to the solid tubular members, and a shoe positioned within the wellbore coupled to the zonal isolation assembly, wherein at least one of the solid tubular members and the perforated tubular members are formed by a radial expansion process performed within the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, the zonal isolation assembly further includes one or more intermediate solid tubular members coupled to and interleaved among the perforated tubular members, each intermediate solid tubular member including one or more external seals, wherein at least one of the solid tubular members, the perforated tubular members, and the intermediate solid tubular members are formed by a radial expansion process performed within the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, the zonal isolation assembly further comprises one or more valve members for controlling the flow of fluids between the solid tubular members and the perforated tubular members. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the intermediate solid tubular members include one or more valve members for controlling the flow of fluids between the solid tubular members and the perforated tubular members.[0102]
• An apparatus has also been described that includes a subterranean formation including a wellbore, a zonal isolation assembly positioned within the wellbore that includes one or more primary solid tubulars, each primary solid tubular including one or more external annular seals, n perforated tubulars positioned coupled to the primary solid tubulars, and n−1 intermediate solid tubulars coupled to and interleaved among the perforated tubulars, each intermediate solid tubular including one or more external annular seals, and a shoe coupled to the zonal isolation assembly, wherein at least one of the primary solid tubulars, the perforated tubulars, and the intermediate solid tubulars are formed by a radial expansion process performed within the wellbore.[0103]
• A method of isolating a first subterranean zone from a second subterranean zone in a wellbore has also been described that includes positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, the primary solid tubulars traversing the first subterranean zone, positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the second subterranean zone, radially expanding at least one of the primary solid tubulars and perforated tubulars within the wellbore, fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars and the primary solid tubulars, and preventing the passage of fluids from the first subterranean zone to the second subterranean zone within the wellbore external to the primary solid tubulars and perforated tubulars.[0104]
• A method of extracting materials from a producing subterranean zone in a wellbore, at least a portion of the wellbore including a casing, has also been described that includes positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the producing subterranean zone, radially expanding at least one of the primary solid tubulars and the perforated tubulars within the wellbore, fluidicly coupling the primary solid tubulars with the casing, fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars with the primary solid tubulars, fluidicly isolating the producing subterranean zone from at least one other subterranean zone within the wellbore, and fluidicly coupling at least one of the perforated tubulars with the producing subterranean zone. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes controllably fluidicly decoupling at least one of the perforated tubulars from at least one other of the perforated tubulars.[0105]
• An apparatus has also been described that includes a subterranean formation including a wellbore, a zonal isolation assembly positioned within the wellbore that includes n solid tubular members positioned within the wellbore, each solid tubular member including one or more external seals, and n−1 perforated tubular members positioned within the wellbore coupled to and interleaved among the solid tubular members, and a shoe positioned within the wellbore coupled to the zonal isolation assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the zonal isolation assembly further comprises one or more valve members for controlling the flow of fluids between the solid tubular members and the perforated tubular members. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the solid tubular members include one or more valve members for controlling the flow of fluids between the solid tubular members and the perforated tubular members.[0106]
• A system for isolating a first subterranean zone from a second subterranean zone in a wellbore has also been described that includes means for positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, the primary solid tubulars traversing the first subterranean zone, means for positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the second subterranean zone, means for fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars and the primary solid tubulars, and means for preventing the passage of fluids from the first subterranean zone to the second subterranean zone within the wellbore external to the primary solid tubulars and the perforated tubulars.[0107]
• A system for extracting materials from a producing subterranean zone in a wellbore, at least a portion of the wellbore including a casing, has also been described that includes means for positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, means for fluidicly coupling the primary solid tubulars with the casing, means for positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the producing subterranean zone, means for fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars with the primary solid tubulars, means for fluidicly isolating the producing subterranean zone from at least one other subterranean zone within the wellbore, and means for fluidicly coupling at least one of the perforated tubulars with the producing subterranean zone. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for controllably fluidicly decoupling at least one of the perforated tubulars from at least one other of the perforated tubulars.[0108]
• A system for isolating a first subterranean zone from a second subterranean zone in a wellbore has also been described that includes means for positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, the primary solid tubulars traversing the first subterranean zone, means for positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the second subterranean zone, means for radially expanding at least one of the primary solid tubulars and perforated tubulars within the wellbore, means for fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars and the primary solid tubulars, and means for preventing the passage of fluids from the first subterranean zone to the second subterranean zone within the wellbore external to the primary solid tubulars and perforated tubulars.[0109]
• A system for extracting materials from a producing subterranean zone in a wellbore, at least a portion of the wellbore including a casing, has also been described that includes means for positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, means for positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the producing subterranean zone, means for radially expanding at least one of the primary solid tubulars and the perforated tubulars within the wellbore, means for fluidicly coupling the primary solid tubulars with the casing means for fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars with the solid tubulars, means for fluidicly isolating the producing subterranean zone from at least one other subterranean zone within the wellbore, and means for fluidicly coupling at least one of the perforated tubulars with the producing subterranean zone. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for controllably fluidicly decoupling at least one of the perforated tubulars from at least one other of the perforated tubulars.[0110]
• A system for isolating subterranean zones traversed by a wellbore has also been described that includes a tubular support member defining a first passage, a tubular expansion cone defining a second passage fluidicly coupled to the first passage coupled to an end of the tubular support member and comprising a tapered end, a tubular liner coupled to and supported by the tapered end of the tubular expansion cone, and a shoe defining a valveable passage coupled to an end of the tubular liner, wherein the tubular liner includes one or more expandable tubular members that each include a tubular body comprising an intermediate portion and first and second expanded end portions coupled to opposing ends of the intermediate portion, and a sealing member coupled to the exterior surface of the intermediate portion, and one or more slotted tubular members coupled to the expandable tubular members, wherein the inside diameters of the other tubular members are greater than or equal to the outside diameter of the tubular expansion cone. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall thicknesses of the first and second expanded end portions are greater than the wall thickness of the intermediate portion. In an exemplary embodiment, each expandable tubular member further includes a first tubular transitionary member coupled between the first expanded end portion and the intermediate portion, and a second tubular transitionary member coupled between the second expanded end portion and the intermediate portion, wherein the angles of inclination of the first and second tubular transitionary members relative to the intermediate portion ranges from about 0 to 30 degrees. In an exemplary embodiment, the outside diameter of the intermediate portion ranges from about 75 percent to about 98 percent of the outside diameters of the first and second expanded end portions. In an exemplary embodiment, the burst strength of the first and second expanded end portions is substantially equal to the burst strength of the intermediate tubular section. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the inside diameters of the first and second expanded end portions to the interior diameter of the intermediate portion ranges from about 100 to 120 percent. In an exemplary embodiment, the relationship between the wall thicknesses t[0111]₁, t₂, and t_INTof the first expanded end portion, the second expanded end portion, and the intermediate portion, respectively, of the expandable tubular members, the inside diameters D₁, D₂and D_INTof the first expanded end portion, the second expanded end portion, and the intermediate portion, respectively, of the expandable tubular members, and the inside diameter D_wellboreof the wellbore casing that the expandable tubular member will be inserted into, and the outside diameter D_coneof the expansion cone that will be used to radially expand the expandable tubular member within the wellbore is given by the following expression:$\mathrm{Dwellbore}-2*t_1\ge D_1\ge \frac{1}{t_1}\left[\left(t_1-t_{\mathrm{INT}}\right)*D_{\mathrm{cone}}+t_{\mathrm{INT}}*D_{\mathrm{INT}}\right];$

  
• wherein t[0112]₁=t₂; and wherein D₁=D₂. In an exemplary embodiment, the tapered end of the tubular expansion cone includes a plurality of adjacent discrete tapered sections. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle of attack of the adjacent discrete tapered sections increases in a continuous manner from one end of the tubular expansion cone to the opposite end of the tubular expansion cone. In an exemplary embodiment, the tapered end of the tubular expansion cone includes an paraboloid body. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle of attack of the outer surface of the paraboloid body increases in a continuous manner from one end of the paraboloid body to the opposite end of the paraboloid body. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular liner comprises a plurality of expandable tubular members; and wherein the other tubular members are interleaved among the expandable tubular members.
• A method of isolating subterranean zones traversed by a wellbore has also been described that includes positioning a tubular liner within the wellbore, and radially expanding one or more discrete portions of the tubular liner into engagement with the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of discrete portions of the tubular liner are radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, the remaining portions of the tubular liner are not radially expanded. In an exemplary embodiment, one of the discrete portions of the tubular liner is radially expanded by injecting a fluidic material into the tubular liner; and wherein the remaining ones of the discrete portions of the tubular liner are radially expanded by pulling an expansion cone through the remaining ones of the discrete portions of the tubular liner. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular liner comprises a plurality of tubular members; and wherein one or more of the tubular members are radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore and one or more of the tubular members are not radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular members that are radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore comprise a portion that is radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore and a portion that is not radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular liner includes one or more expandable tubular members that each include a tubular body comprising an intermediate portion and first and second expanded end portions coupled to opposing ends of the intermediate portion, and a sealing member coupled to the exterior surface of the intermediate portion, and one or more slotted tubular members coupled to the expandable tubular members, wherein the inside diameters of the slotted tubular members are greater than or equal to the maximum inside diameters of the expandable tubular members. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular liner includes a plurality of expandable tubular members; and wherein the slotted tubular members are interleaved among the expandable tubular members.[0113]
• A system for isolating subterranean zones traversed by a wellbore has also been described that includes means for positioning a tubular liner within the wellbore, and means for radially expanding one or more discrete portions of the tubular liner into engagement with the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of discrete portions of the tubular liner are radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, the remaining portions of the tubular liner are not radially expanded. In an exemplary embodiment, one discrete portion of the tubular liner is radially expanded by injecting a fluidic material into the tubular liner; and wherein the other discrete portions of the tubular liner are radially expanded by pulling an expansion cone through the other discrete portions of the tubular liner. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular liner includes a plurality of tubular members; and wherein one or more of the tubular members are radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore and one or more of the tubular members are not radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular members that are radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore include a portion that is radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore and a portion that is not radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore.[0114]
• An apparatus for isolating subterranean zones has also been described that includes a subterranean formation defining a borehole, and a tubular liner positioned in and coupled to the borehole at one or more discrete locations. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular liner is coupled to the borehole at a plurality of discrete locations. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular liner is coupled to the borehole by a process that includes positioning the tubular liner within the borehole, and radially expanding one or more discrete portions of the tubular liner into engagement with the borehole. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of discrete portions of the tubular liner are radially expanded into engagement with the borehole. In an exemplary embodiment, the remaining portions of the tubular liner are not radially expanded. In an exemplary embodiment, one of the discrete portions of the tubular liner is radially expanded by injecting a fluidic material into the tubular liner; and wherein the other discrete portions of the tubular liner are radially expanded by pulling an expansion cone through the other discrete portions of the tubular liner. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular liner comprises a plurality of tubular members; and wherein one or more of the tubular members are radially expanded into engagement with the borehole and one or more of the tubular members are not radially expanded into engagement with the borehole. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular members that are radially expanded into engagement with the borehole include a portion that is radially expanded into engagement with the borehole and a portion that is not radially expanded into engagement with the borehole. In an exemplary embodiment, prior to the radial expansion the tubular liner includes one or more expandable tubular members that each include a tubular body comprising an intermediate portion and first and second expanded end portions coupled to opposing ends of the intermediate portion, and a sealing member coupled to the exterior surface of the intermediate portion, and one or more slotted tubular members coupled to the expandable tubular members, wherein the inside diameters of the slotted tubular members are greater than or equal to the maximum inside diameters of the expandable tubular members. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular liner includes a plurality of expandable tubular members; and wherein the slotted tubular members are interleaved among the expandable tubular members.[0115]
• Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, changes and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. In some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.[0116]

Claims (61)

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a zonal isolation assembly comprising:

one or more solid tubular members, each solid tubular member including one or more external seals; and

one or more perforated tubular members coupled to the solid tubular members; and

a shoe coupled to the zonal isolation assembly.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the zonal isolation assembly further comprises:

one or more intermediate solid tubular members coupled to and interleaved among the perforated tubular members, each intermediate solid tubular member including one or more external seals.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the zonal isolation assembly further comprises one or more valve members for controlling the flow of fluidic materials between the tubular members.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein one or more of the intermediate solid tubular members include one or more valve members.

5. An apparatus, comprising:

a zonal isolation assembly comprising:

one or more primary solid tubulars, each primary solid tubular including one or more external annular seals;

n perforated tubulars coupled to the primary solid tubulars; and

n−1 intermediate solid tubulars coupled to and interleaved among the perforated tubulars, each intermediate solid tubular including one or more external annular seals; and

a shoe coupled to the zonal isolation assembly.

6. A method of isolating a first subterranean zone from a second subterranean zone in a wellbore, comprising:

positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, the primary solid tubulars traversing the first subterranean zone;

positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the second subterranean zone;

fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars and the primary solid tubulars; and

preventing the passage of fluids from the first subterranean zone to the second subterranean zone within the wellbore external to the solid and perforated tubulars.

7. A method of extracting materials from a producing subterranean zone in a wellbore, at least a portion of the wellbore including a casing, comprising;

positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore;

fluidicly coupling the primary solid tubulars with the casing;

positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the producing subterranean zone;

fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars with the primary solid tubulars;

fluidicly isolating the producing subterranean zone from at least one other subterranean zone within the wellbore; and

fluidicly coupling at least one of the perforated tubulars with the producing subterranean zone.

8. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising:

controllably fluidicly decoupling at least one of the perforated tubulars from at least one other of the perforated tubulars.

9. An apparatus, comprising:

a subterranean formation including a wellbore;

a zonal isolation assembly at least partially positioned within the wellbore comprising:

one or more solid tubular members, each solid tubular member including one or more external seals; and

one or more perforated tubular members coupled to the solid tubular members; and

a shoe positioned within the wellbore coupled to the zonal isolation assembly;

wherein at least one of the solid tubular members and the perforated tubular members are formed by a radial expansion process performed within the wellbore.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the zonal isolation assembly further comprises:

one or more intermediate solid tubular members coupled to and interleaved among the perforated tubular members, each intermediate solid tubular member including one or more external seals;

wherein at least one of the solid tubular members, the perforated tubular members, and the intermediate solid tubular members are formed by a radial expansion process performed within the wellbore.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the zonal isolation assembly further comprises one or more valve members for controlling the flow of fluids between the solid tubular members and the perforated tubular members.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein one or more of the intermediate solid tubular members include one or more valve members for controlling the flow of fluids between the solid tubular members and the perforated tubular members.

13. An apparatus, comprising:

a subterranean formation including a wellbore;

a zonal isolation assembly positioned within the wellbore comprising:

one or more primary solid tubulars, each primary solid tubular including one or more external annular seals;

n perforated tubulars positioned coupled to the primary solid tubulars; and

n−1 intermediate solid tubulars coupled to and interleaved among the perforated tubulars, each intermediate solid tubular including one or more external annular seals; and

a shoe coupled to the zonal isolation assembly;

wherein at least one of the primary solid tubulars, the perforated tubulars, and the intermediate solid tubulars are formed by a radial expansion process performed within the wellbore.

14. A method of isolating a first subterranean zone from a second subterranean zone in a wellbore, comprising:

positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, the primary solid tubulars traversing the first subterranean zone;

positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the second subterranean zone;

radially expanding at least one of the primary solid tubulars and perforated tubulars within the wellbore;

fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars and the primary solid tubulars; and

preventing the passage of fluids from the first subterranean zone to the second subterranean zone within the wellbore external to the primary solid tubulars and perforated tubulars.

15. A method of extracting materials from a producing subterranean zone in a wellbore, at least a portion of the wellbore including a casing, comprising;

positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore;

positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the producing subterranean zone;

radially expanding at least one of the primary solid tubulars and the perforated tubulars within the wellbore;

fluidicly coupling the primary solid tubulars with the casing;

fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars with the primary solid tubulars;

fluidicly isolating the producing subterranean zone from at least one other subterranean zone within the wellbore; and

fluidicly coupling at least one of the perforated tubulars with the producing subterranean zone.

16. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising:

controllably fluidicly decoupling at least one of the perforated tubulars from at least one other of the perforated tubulars.

17. An apparatus, comprising:

a subterranean formation including a wellbore;

a zonal isolation assembly positioned within the wellbore comprising:

n solid tubular members positioned within the wellbore, each solid tubular member including one or more external seals; and

n−1 perforated tubular members positioned within the wellbore coupled to and interleaved among the solid tubular members; and

a shoe positioned within the wellbore coupled to the zonal isolation assembly.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the zonal isolation assembly further comprises one or more valve members for controlling the flow of fluids between the solid tubular members and the perforated tubular members.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein one or more of the solid tubular members include one or more valve members for controlling the flow of fluids between the solid tubular members and the perforated tubular members.

20. A system for isolating a first subterranean zone from a second subterranean zone in a wellbore, comprising:

means for positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, the primary solid tubulars traversing the first subterranean zone;

means for positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the second subterranean zone;

means for fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars and the primary solid tubulars; and

means for preventing the passage of fluids from the first subterranean zone to the second subterranean zone within the wellbore external to the primary solid tubulars and the perforated tubulars.

21. A system for extracting materials from a producing subterranean zone in a wellbore, at least a portion of the wellbore including a casing, comprising;

means for positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore;

means for fluidicly coupling the primary solid tubulars with the casing;

means for positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the producing subterranean zone;

means for fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars with the primary solid tubulars;

means for fluidicly isolating the producing subterranean zone from at least one other subterranean zone within the wellbore; and

means for fluidicly coupling at least one of the perforated tubulars with the producing subterranean zone.

22. The system ofclaim 21, further comprising:

means for controllably fluidicly decoupling at least one of the perforated tubulars from at least one other of the perforated tubulars.

23. A system for isolating a first subterranean zone from a second subterranean zone in a wellbore, comprising:

means for positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, the primary solid tubulars traversing the first subterranean zone;

means for positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the second subterranean zone;

means for radially expanding at least one of the primary solid tubulars and perforated tubulars within the wellbore;

means for fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars and the primary solid tubulars; and

means for preventing the passage of fluids from the first subterranean zone to the second subterranean zone within the wellbore external to the primary solid tubulars and perforated tubulars.

24. A system for extracting materials from a producing subterranean zone in a wellbore, at least a portion of the wellbore including a casing, comprising;

means for positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore;

means for positioning one or more perforated tubulars within the wellbore, the perforated tubulars traversing the producing subterranean zone;

means for radially expanding at least one of the primary solid tubulars and the perforated tubulars within the wellbore;

means for fluidicly coupling the primary solid tubulars with the casing;

means for fluidicly coupling the perforated tubulars with the solid tubulars;

means for fluidicly isolating the producing subterranean zone from at least one other subterranean zone within the wellbore; and

means for fluidicly coupling at least one of the perforated tubulars with the producing subterranean zone.

25. The system ofclaim 24, further comprising:

means for controllably fluidicly decoupling at least one of the perforated tubulars from at least one other of the perforated tubulars.

26. A system for isolating subterranean zones traversed by a wellbore, comprising:

a tubular support member defining a first passage;

a tubular expansion cone defining a second passage fluidicly coupled to the first passage coupled to an end of the tubular support member and comprising a tapered end;

a tubular liner coupled to and supported by the tapered end of the tubular expansion cone; and

a shoe defining a valveable passage coupled to an end of the tubular liner;

wherein the tubular liner comprises:

one or more expandable tubular members that each comprise:

a tubular body comprising an intermediate portion and first and second expanded end portions coupled to opposing ends of the intermediate portion; and

a sealing member coupled to the exterior surface of the intermediate portion; and

one or more slotted tubular members coupled to the expandable tubular members;

wherein the inside diameters of the other tubular members are greater than or equal to the outside diameter of the tubular expansion cone.

27. The system ofclaim 26, wherein the wall thicknesses of the first and second expanded end portions are greater than the wall thickness of the intermediate portion.

28. The system ofclaim 26, wherein each expandable tubular member further comprises:

a first tubular transitionary member coupled between the first expanded end portion and the intermediate portion; and

a second tubular transitionary member coupled between the second expanded end portion and the intermediate portion;

wherein the angles of inclination of the first and second tubular transitionary members relative to the intermediate portion ranges from about 0 to 30 degrees.

29. The system ofclaim 26, wherein the outside diameter of the intermediate portion ranges from about 75 percent to about 98 percent of the outside diameters of the first and second expanded end portions.

30. The system ofclaim 26, wherein the burst strength of the first and second expanded end portions is substantially equal to the burst strength of the intermediate tubular section.

31. The system ofclaim 26, wherein the ratio of the inside diameters of the first and second expanded end portions to the interior diameter of the intermediate portion ranges from about 100 to 120 percent.

32. The system ofclaim 26, wherein the relationship between the wall thicknesses t₁, t₂, and t_INTof the first expanded end portion, the second expanded end portion, and the intermediate portion, respectively, of the expandable tubular members, the inside diameters D₁, D₂and D_INTof the first expanded end portion, the second expanded end portion, and the intermediate portion, respectively, of the expandable tubular members, and the inside diameter D_wellboreof the wellbore casing that the expandable tubular member will be inserted into, and the outside diameter D_coneof the expansion cone that will be used to radially expand the expandable tubular member within the wellbore is given by the following expression:

$\mathrm{Dwellbore}-2*t_1\ge D_1\ge \frac{1}{t_1}\left[\left(t_1-t_{\mathrm{INT}}\right)*D_{\mathrm{cone}}+t_{\mathrm{INT}}*D_{\mathrm{INT}}\right];$

wherein t₁=t₂; and wherein D₁=D₂.

33. The system ofclaim 26, wherein the tapered end of the tubular expansion cone comprises:

a plurality of adjacent discrete tapered sections.

34. The system ofclaim 33, wherein the angle of attack of the adjacent discrete tapered sections increases in a continuous manner from one end of the tubular expansion cone to the opposite end of the tubular expansion cone.

35. The system ofclaim 26, wherein the tapered end of the tubular expansion cone comprises:

an paraboloid body.

36. The system ofclaim 35, wherein the angle of attack of the outer surface of the paraboloid body increases in a continuous manner from one end of the paraboloid body to the opposite end of the paraboloid body.

37. The system ofclaim 26, wherein the tubular liner comprises a plurality of expandable tubular members; and wherein the other tubular members are interleaved among the expandable tubular members.

38. A method of isolating subterranean zones traversed by a wellbore, comprising:

positioning a tubular liner within the wellbore; and

radially expanding one or more discrete portions of the tubular liner into engagement with the wellbore.

39. The method ofclaim 38, wherein a plurality of discrete portions of the tubular liner are radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore.

40. The method ofclaim 38, wherein the remaining portions of the tubular liner are not radially expanded.

41. The method ofclaim 38, wherein one of the discrete portions of the tubular liner is radially expanded by injecting a fluidic material into the tubular liner; and wherein the remaining ones of the discrete portions of the tubular liner are radially expanded by pulling an expansion cone through the remaining ones of the discrete portions of the tubular liner.

42. The method ofclaim 38, wherein the tubular liner comprises a plurality of tubular members; and wherein one or more of the tubular members are radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore and one or more of the tubular members are not radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore.

43. The method ofclaim 42, wherein the tubular members that are radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore comprise a portion that is radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore and a portion that is not radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore.

44. The method ofclaim 38, wherein the tubular liner comprises:

one or more expandable tubular members that each comprise:

a tubular body comprising an intermediate portion and first and second expanded end portions coupled to opposing ends of the intermediate portion; and

a sealing member coupled to the exterior surface of the intermediate portion; and

one or more slotted tubular members coupled to the expandable tubular members;

wherein the inside diameters of the slotted tubular members are greater than or equal to the maximum inside diameters of the expandable tubular members.

45. The method ofclaim 44, wherein the tubular liner comprises a plurality of expandable tubular members; and wherein the slotted tubular members are interleaved among the expandable tubular members.

46. A system for isolating subterranean zones traversed by a wellbore, comprising:

means for positioning a tubular liner within the wellbore; and

means for radially expanding one or more discrete portions of the tubular liner into engagement with the wellbore.

47. The system ofclaim 46, wherein a plurality of discrete portions of the tubular liner are radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore.

48. The system ofclaim 46, wherein the remaining portions of the tubular liner are not radially expanded.

49. The system ofclaim 46, wherein one discrete portion of the tubular liner is radially expanded by injecting a fluidic material into the tubular liner; and wherein the other discrete portions of the tubular liner are radially expanded by pulling an expansion cone through the other discrete portions of the tubular liner.

50. The system ofclaim 46, wherein the tubular liner comprises a plurality of tubular members; and wherein one or more of the tubular members are radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore and one or more of the tubular members are not radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore.

51. The system ofclaim 50, wherein the tubular members that are radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore comprise a portion that is radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore and a portion that is not radially expanded into engagement with the wellbore.

52. An apparatus for isolating subterranean zones, comprising:

a subterranean formation defining a borehole; and

a tubular liner positioned in and coupled to the borehole at one or more discrete locations.

53. The apparatus ofclaim 52, wherein the tubular liner is coupled to the borehole at a plurality of discrete locations.

54. The apparatus ofclaim 52, wherein the tubular liner is coupled to the borehole by a process that comprises:

positioning the tubular liner within the borehole; and

radially expanding one or more discrete portions of the tubular liner into engagement with the borehole.

55. The system ofclaim 54, wherein a plurality of discrete portions of the tubular liner are radially expanded into engagement with the borehole.

56. The system ofclaim 54, wherein the remaining portions of the tubular liner are not radially expanded.

57. The system ofclaim 54, wherein one of the discrete portions of the tubular liner is radially expanded by injecting a fluidic material into the tubular liner; and wherein the other discrete portions of the tubular liner are radially expanded by pulling an expansion cone through the other discrete portions of the tubular liner.

58. The system ofclaim 54, wherein the tubular liner comprises a plurality of tubular members; and wherein one or more of the tubular members are radially expanded into engagement with the borehole and one or more of the tubular members are not radially expanded into engagement with the borehole.

59. The system ofclaim 54, wherein the tubular members that are radially expanded into engagement with the borehole comprise a portion that is radially expanded into engagement with the borehole and a portion that is not radially expanded into engagement with the borehole.

60. The system ofclaim 54, wherein prior to the radial expansion the tubular liner comprises:

one or more expandable tubular members that each comprise:

a tubular body comprising an intermediate portion and first and second expanded end portions coupled to opposing ends of the intermediate portion; and

a sealing member coupled to the exterior surface of the intermediate portion; and

one or more slotted tubular members coupled to the expandable tubular members;

wherein the inside diameters of the slotted tubular members are greater than or equal to the maximum inside diameters of the expandable tubular members.

61. The system of claim60, wherein the tubular liner comprises a plurality of expandable tubular members; and wherein the slotted tubular members are interleaved among the expandable tubular members.

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